Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba' (White Bleeding Heart)

White Bleeding Heart is one of the most refined and graceful shade perennials available, and the 'Alba' form takes everything beautiful about the species and translates it into pure white. Long, arching stems carry chains of pendant, heart-shaped flowers in cool ivory-white, each one with a small protruding teardrop at the base. The effect is theatrical without being fussy, and the soft, finely divided, pale green foliage makes an elegant backdrop even when the plant is between bloom cycles.

Bleeding Heart is a plant that appears to belong specifically to Pacific Northwest woodland gardens. The cool, moist conditions of the Oregon coast suit it perfectly, and it performs as a reliable perennial here in a way it cannot in hotter, drier climates. It does best in partial shade with fertile, humus-rich soil and consistent moisture. The foliage dies back in midsummer heat after flowering, which is normal, so plant it where summer-dormant gaps are acceptable or pair it with hostas or ferns to fill in the space.

'Alba' is somewhat more heat-tolerant than the pink species form. Hardy to Zone 3, it returns reliably each spring.